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Milliken & Company: A Beacon of Ethical Business Practices

In an impressive achievement, Milliken & Company has once again been honored as one of the 2026 World's Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere, marking twenty consecutive years of this prestigious recognition. This accolade underscores Milliken's enduring commitment to ethical business practices that have been deeply integrated into its culture and operations since the program's inception in 2007. Among an elite group of only six organizations that have received this honor every year, Milliken stands as a testament to the fact that ethical conduct can coexist with business success.

Halsey Cook, the president and CEO of Milliken, shared insights into what this recognition signifies for the company. He emphasized that such a sustained level of ethical behavior is not a random occurrence but rather the result of a culture that emphasizes the importance of making the right choices consistently, even in the absence of oversight. "Earning this recognition reflects something deeply ingrained at Milliken. That kind of consistency does not happen by chance, and it's not because of a single policy or leader. It is built over time through a culture that encourages everyone across the organization to make the right choices day after day," Cook stated.

Central to Milliken's approach is its robust ethics and compliance program. This program is anchored in formal governance structures, well-documented standards, and constant oversight aimed at promoting transparency. All levels of Milliken’s management are held accountable for ethical practices, ensuring that integrity permeates the organization. Continuous training and effective reporting mechanisms encourage employees to share concerns and ethical dilemmas, reinforcing a workplace environment where ethical behavior is expected and celebrated.

Kasel Knight, the executive vice president and chief legal officer, remarked on the significance of this recognition. He pointed out that being adjudged as a ''World's Most Ethical Company'' is not the culmination of efforts but an ongoing journey. “It reinforces the importance of maintaining strong systems, being transparent, and continuing to evolve as expectations and risks change,” Knight adds.

Ethisphere’s Ethics Quotient® serves as the foundation for assessing these companies. This proprietary tool evaluates firms based on rigorous criteria across key areas such as governance, ethics and compliance, organizational culture, environmental and social impact, and practices within their value chain. Achieving this recognition requires comprehensive documentation and validation of ethical policies and practices within the organization.

Throughout its history, Milliken has adapted its ethical practices to keep pace with Ethisphere's evolving standards. Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere's Chief Strategy Officer, commented, “Milliken's practices have kept pace with our rising expectations. Companies committed to business integrity are best positioned to navigate rapid changes.” The organization’s ability to continually meet these demands speaks volumes about its resilience and adherence to its core values.

About Milliken
With a rich history rooted in materials science, Milliken & Company is dedicated to driving innovation across various industries, producing advanced textiles, specialty chemicals, and flooring solutions. Learn more about their diverse portfolio online and connect with them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Milliken's role as a leader in ethical practices not only shines a light on its corporate integrity but also serves as an example for others in the industry. The commitment to ethical values is more than just a badge of honor; it is a vital component of the organization's identity and strategy, influencing their operations and establishing a benchmark in responsible business practices.